India, Singapore to Boost Ties in Manufacturing, Green Shipping

• India and Singapore agreed to deepen collaboration in advanced manufacturing
• Both nations will enhance cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and digital technologies
• Agreements include Green and Digital Shipping Corridors and support for port capacity expansion

Following bilateral discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced recently that India and Singapore had created an extensive roadmap to expand their strategic partnership.

Wong is on a three-day official visit to India. In a joint press conference, Modi said that the two nations have not only identified wide ranging sectors for collaboration, but also identified new sectors for collaboration to go along with traditional sectors, to include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, civil nuclear, skilling, and urban water.

PM Modi stated, "We have decided that, in order to accelerate mutual trade, the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN will be reviewed in a time-bound manner".

Modi said innovation would be a leading part of this collaboration, and both countries committed to increasing collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other digital technologies. Modi shared that Singapore will support India in starting a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai to skill manpower in advanced manufacturing.

The leaders were upbeat about new initiatives in space science, including a new agreement in the space as well as the India–Singapore Hackathon later in 2023. Digital connectivity was also a strong part of the discussions, with PM Modi noting that 13 Indian banks have signed on to the UPI–PayNow cross-border payment system.

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Maritime cooperation would advance with the signing of the agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors intended to improve the green fuel supply chain and digitalisation of port clearance.

Modi also welcomed the commencement of Phase II of the India Mumbai Container Terminal developed by Singapore’s PSA International as a step to enhance port capacity.

He added, "Singapore is an important pillar of our Act East Policy. We will continue to work together with ASEAN to advance our vision of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region".

In relation to security challenges, Modi expressed his appreciation for Singapore's assistance after the April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam and stressed the two countries have mutual concerns about terrorism, and a mutual responsibility to fight that terrorism.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Wong to seek further avenues for expanding bilateral ties. On his X account, he mentioned, "Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India–Singapore ties".

Recently, Wong had talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on health and finance, suggesting a comprehensive broadening of cooperation with India-Singapore.